Fluffy Spiced Apple Pancakes for the Coziest Fall Breakfast

Some breakfasts feed your body. Others feed your soul.

For me, spiced apple pancakes are firmly in the second category.

I first made them on a chilly October morning, when the trees outside were blazing with color and the air begged for something warm and comforting. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples filled the kitchen, and for a moment, everything felt softer, slower, and more alive.

That’s what these fluffy spiced apple pancakes do — they transform any morning into something memorable. Whether it’s a crisp fall day or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra love, this recipe delivers.

Fluffy Spiced Apple Pancakes for the Coziest Fall Breakfast

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Print Recipe

These spiced apple pancakes are fluffy, cozy, and full of fall flavor. Made with grated fresh apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re the perfect breakfast for chilly mornings — or whenever you need a comforting stack of pancakes.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 pinch ground cloves (optional)

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)

• 1 medium apple, peeled and grated

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

• In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.

• Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix — lumps are okay).

• Fold in the grated apple and let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes.

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and brush with a little butter.

• Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.

• Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite topping.

Notes

• Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.

• Resting the batter is key to fluffiness — don’t skip it.

• You can make these ahead and reheat them in the oven or toaster.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pancakes
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Why You’ll Love These Spiced Apple Pancakes

These pancakes are like autumn on a plate — soft, fluffy, and full of warm spices that wrap around the sweetness of fresh apples.

They’re easy to make, yet they feel special enough for a holiday brunch or a weekend breakfast with family. The combination of cozy spices and tender apples makes them a recipe you’ll want to return to all year long. If you’re in the mood for more cozy fall breakfasts, check out my good old-fashioned pancakes for another comforting classic.

The Secret to Great Spiced Apple Pancakes

The key to irresistible spiced apple pancakes is in the details.

Grating the apples instead of dicing them means they melt into the batter, keeping the pancakes moist and flavorful without becoming heavy. A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a hint of clove gives the perfect balance of warmth and spice.

And don’t overlook the batter itself — a little brown sugar deepens the flavor, and letting it rest before cooking gives you those tall, fluffy stacks you’re dreaming of. If you’re curious about which apple varieties work best for baking, here’s a helpful guide to apples for baking that I use every fall.

Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time

A few simple techniques can take your pancakes from good to unforgettable:

• Use crisp, flavorful apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and taste.
• Preheat your skillet and keep the heat medium-low so the pancakes cook evenly without burning.
• Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking to give it time to hydrate and aerate.
• Serve them warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, dust with a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you master the classic recipe, try these creative twists:

• Caramel Apple Pancakes: Replace the syrup with a drizzle of warm caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
• Apple-Walnut Pancakes: Stir in chopped toasted walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Chai-Spiced Apple Pancakes: Swap the usual spices for a blend of cardamom, ginger, and black pepper for a chai-inspired version.

Final Thoughts

These fluffy spiced apple pancakes are more than just breakfast — they’re a little ritual of comfort and care.

They fill your kitchen with warmth and your plate with flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, for loved ones, or for a holiday table, this recipe offers the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and nostalgia.

So take your time, pour yourself a hot drink, and enjoy every bite of this cozy, homemade treat. Some mornings are meant to be savored — and these pancakes make sure of it.